Sites must be well surveyed, analyzed and understood. Site understanding usually includes a study of regional aerial and historic photography to get clues to the changes and anticipated forces that are acting on the site.

Review of the size of the drainage at the site location, sun and shade levels, soil fertility, plant species and their location relative to the drainage, and an accurate survey are all key components to the successful design. Pacific Erosion Control Systems specializes insite survey, analysis, diagnosis and treatment of afected areas.

Biotechnical erosion control design checklist:

Plan:

• Identify the site
• Identify project goals
• Select project team members
• Identify potential dynamic forces that may act on the site
• Determine the types of forces that the project might/should withstand
• Identify preliminary budget considerations

Analyze:

• Topographic and legal boundary survey
• Off-site wind, water flow, run-off, erosion effects
• Site matching for emulation
• Existing conditions
• Slopes
• Hydrology; peak flows, flow velocities, high water marks, precipitation, snow loads, growing season, soil moisture regimes
• Site impacts on plan such as flood flow force potentials
• Vegetation; desired and undesired
• Pests
• Land use activities, such as grazing, recreation, mining, commercial development
• Utilities, irrigation water sources
• Wildlife habitat or habitat impact

Design report based on:

• Engineering aspects
• Existing conditions
• Goals
• Risks
• Maintenance
• Budget considerations
• Permits and/or licences required

Reference